With more traffic misery expected for Belfast commuters next week, NI Water has shared pictures showing why its work is so essential.
Residents and motorists are being warned of potential traffic disruption as NI Water begins the next phase of work to reline and strengthen the Victorian sewer on Shore Road in north Belfast.
As it confirmed road closures and temporary traffic lights would be in place in the area from Monday, NI Water released photographs of why sewage works are necessary, with before and after images showing the first phase of the relining works on the route.
It comes amid a recent public outcry about traffic along arterial routes into and out of Belfast.
NI Water said the project – which has already seen over half a kilometre of the brick sewer relined between Fortwilliam Park and Keadyville Avenue – will recommence in the Seaview area under lane closures.
Robert McLean from NI Water said the work is being carried out to “provide a more robust network that will help protect against sewer collapses and out-of-sewer flooding in this part of Belfast city”.
“The sewer relining work on Shore Road is an essential programme of work to reinforce the old Victorian wastewater network and help reduce the risk of out of sewer flooding,” he said.
“The next phase of work will get underway on Monday 6th January adjacent to St Vincent Street/Seaview.
“To carry out the work as safely as possible, city-bound lanes at Seaview will need to be closed.
“Two-way traffic (one lane in each direction) will be controlled around the working area via temporary traffic lights.
“The traffic lights will be manned during peak hours – morning and evening – and will be in operation for approximately three weeks.
“We would assure the public that every effort will be made to remove the traffic lights as quickly as possible.
“To facilitate the traffic light set up, the Shore Road junctions at Northwood Parade and St Vincent Street will also be closed with diversion routes signposted.
“The country-bound bus stop opposite St Aubyn Street will be moved approximately 50m towards the city away from the traffic light set up and parking restrictions may be implemented in certain areas.
“Once the section adjacent to St Vincent Street/Seaview has been completed, the traffic lights will be removed and the remainder of the relining work in this area will be completed under a contraflow system with two-way traffic maintained.
“We would kindly ask that residents, businesses and the wider public take care around any works area and allow extra time for their journeys.”
